Bonnie L. Raphael

Systemic adenovirus infection in Sulawesi tortoises (Indotestudo forsteni) caused by a novel siadenovirus

A novel siadenovirus was identified in the Sulawesi tortoise (Indotestudo forsteni). A group of 105 Sulawesi tortoises was obtained by the Turtle Survival Alliance. Many of the tortoises were in poor health. Clinical signs included anorexia, lethargy, mucosal ulcerations and palatine erosions of the oral cavity, nasal and ocular discharge, and diarrhea. Initial diagnostic tests included fecal testing for parasites, complete blood count and plasma biochemical analysis, mycoplasma serology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for intranuclear coccidia and chelonian herpesvirus. Treatment included administration of antibiotics, antiparasitic medications, parenteral fluids, and nutritional support. Tissue samples from animals that died were submitted for histopathologic evaluation. Histopathologic examination revealed systemic inflammation and necrosis associated with intranuclear inclusions consistent with a systemic viral infection in 35 tortoises out of 50 examined. Fecal testing results and histopathologic findings revealed intestinal and hepatic amoebiasis and nematodiasis in 31 animals. Two of 5 tortoises tested by PCR were positive for Chlamydophila sp. Aeromonas hydrophila and Escherichia coli were cultured from multiple organs of 2 animals. The mycoplasma serology and PCR results for intranuclear coccidia and chelonian herpesvirus were negative. Polymerase chain reaction testing of tissues, plasma, and choanal/cloacal samples from 41 out of 42 tortoises tested were positive for an adenovirus, which was characterized by sequence analysis and molecular phylogenetic inference as a novel adenovirus of the genus Siadenovirus. The present report details the clinical and anatomic pathologic findings associated with systemic infection of Sulawesi tortoises by this novel Siadenovirus, which extends the known reptilian adenoviruses to the chelonians and extends the known genera of reptilian Adenoviridae beyond Atadenovirus to include the genus Siadenovirus.

Hematologic iron analyte values as an indicator of hepatic hemosiderosis in callitrichidae

Hepatic hemosiderosis is one of the most common postmortem findings in captive callitrichid species. Noninvasive evaluation of hematologic iron analytes has been used to diagnose hepatic iron storage disease in humans, lemurs, and bats. This study evaluated the relationship between hematologic iron analyte values (iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, and percent transferrin saturation) and hepatic hemosiderosis in callitrichids at the Wildlife Conservation Societys Central Park and Bronx Zoos. Results revealed that both ferritin and percent transferrin saturation levels had strong positive correlations with hepatic iron concentration (P<0.001, r=0.77, n=20; P<0.001, r=0.85, n=10, respectively). Serum iron levels positively correlated with hepatic iron concentration (P=0.06, r=0.56, n=11), but this finding was not significant. Serum total iron binding capacity did not significantly correlate with hepatic iron concentration (P=0.47, r=0.25, n=10). Both ferritin and hepatic iron concentration positively correlated with severity of hepatic iron deposition on histology (P<0.05, r=0.49, n=21; P<0.001, r=0.67, n=21, respectively). This study suggests that ferritin, serum iron concentration, and percent transferrin saturation are convenient, noninvasive, antemortem methods for assessing severity of hemosiderosis in callitrichids. Am. J. Primatol. 70:629–633, 2008.

ORAL TREATMENT OF AVIAN LEAD INTOXICATION WITH MESO-2,3-DIMERCAPTOSUCCINIC ACID

Abstract The efficacy of meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) (succimer) in treating avian lead intoxication was studied in a retrospective, nonrandomized, longitudinal study. Nineteen birds with moderate to high blood lead concentration and neurologic signs compatible with lead toxicity were treated with DMSA (30 mg/kg p.o., b.i.d.; n = 15) for a minimum of 7 days. In cases with severe neurologic signs, DMSA was supplemented with a single dose of edetate calcium disodium (<50.0 mg/kg of body weight i.m.; n = 4). Blood lead concentrations were measured two or more times (before and after treatment). Median blood lead concentration decreased (87%), neurologic signs were resolved, and there were no apparent adverse secondary effects.

ANESTHESIA OF MALE AXIS DEER (AXIS AXIS): EVALUATION OF THIAFENTANIL, MEDETOMIDINE, AND KETAMINE VERSUS MEDETOMIDINE AND KETAMINE

Abstract Thiafentanil oxalate, previously known as A-3080, is a synthetic opioid used for chemical immobilization of a variety of nondomestic hoofstock species.1–4,8,10,12 This study compared the combination of thiafentanil oxalate, medetomidine, and ketamine (TMK; 0.09 ± 0.02 mg/kg, 0.01 ± 0.003 mg/kg, and 1.36 ± 0.33 mg/kg, respectively) with the combination of medetomidine and ketamine (MK; 0.09 ± 0.02 mg/kg and 3.48 ± 0.55 mg/kg, respectively) for anesthetization of 17 captive male axis deer (Axis axis) for vasectomy. Nine deer received TMK and eight deer received MK via projectile syringe during the months of January and February, 2005. Mean induction and arousal times, vital signs, and arterial blood gas values were monitored and compared. All animals received supplemental oxygen during the surgical procedure. Animals receiving TMK were reversed with naltrexone (100 mg/mg thiafentanil) and atipamazole (5 mg/mg medetomidine). Animals receiving MK were reversed with atipamazole (5 mg/mg medetomidine). Two MK animals and three TMK animals required supplementation with ketamine i.v. immediately upon handling. Six of the nine animals immobilized with TMK required intubation for positive-pressure ventilation. Two of these six animals also required isoflurane to maintain anesthesia. Mean induction time was 3.5 ± 2.0 min in the TMK group, and 9.8 ± 6.7 min in the MK group. Despite shorter mean induction times, animals anesthetized with TMK experienced unpredictable inductions, apnea, muscle rigidity, limb movement, and significant respiratory and metabolic lactic acidosis. MK resulted in smoother inductions, better respiratory function, and less adverse metabolic disturbances, and thus was considered superior to TMK for anesthesia in captive axis deer at the dosages tested.

Comparison of Injectable Versus Oral Enrofloxacin Pharmacokinetics in Red-Eared Slider Thirties, Trachemys scripta elegans

ABSTRACT Three male and three female red-eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans, were given an intramuscular (IM) injection of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg body weight). Blood was obtained from a peripheral vein, and plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were measured at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hr post injection. After a period of six weeks, the same animals were given oral doses of enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg body weight). Blood was obtained and plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were measured at 1, 2, 5, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 hr post oral dosing. The highest mean concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were 6.28 μg/ml 2 hr and 0.42 μg/ml 7.4 hr after IM injection and 3.44 μg/ml 5 hr and 0.35 μg/ml 6 hr after oral administration. The mean apparent elimination half-life of enrofloxacin was 17.6 hr after IM injection and 32.8 hr after oral administration. The half-life for ciprofloxacin was 28.4 hr post IM administration and 59.6 hr post-oral admi...

DEMODICOSIS IN RED-HANDED TAMARINS (SAGUINUS MIDAS)

Abstract Two nonrelated but paired red-handed tamarins (Saguinus midas) presented with diffuse, multifocal, raised, nonpruritic, hyperkeratotic lesions on the appendages and face. Skin biopsies identified acarids and skin scrapings confirmed demodex-like mites. The animals were treated with ivermectin, at the endoparasite dose, which initially resulted in resolution of clinical signs; however, signs recurred after numerous treatments. After four treatments with amitraz dips, demodicosis lesions resolved.

Cholelithiasis in four callitrichid species (Leontopithecus, Callithrix)

Abstract Medical records of three male and three female callitrichids of four species (Leontopithecus chrysopygus, Leontopithecus rosalia, Callithrix argentata argentata, Callithrix kuhlii) diagnosed with cholelithiasis were reviewed. Ages of affected animals at the time of diagnosis ranged from 2–14 yr. Definitive antemortem diagnosis of cholelithiasis was made in four of the six cases. Chronic weight loss, lethargy, and weakness were seen in all cases. Chronic intermittent diarrhea was seen in three cases. Icterus and abnormal gait were each present in two of the animals. Hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities included leukocytosis in five cases, elevated bilirubin (direct and indirect) in four cases, and anemia in four cases. Radiographic evidence of choleliths was observed in three cases. Surgical removal of choleliths was successfully performed on two animals. Full necropsies were performed on all cases, and choleliths were believed to contribute to morbidity in all cases. However, inflammatory bowel disease was determined to be the primary cause of weight loss and mortality in at least three animals. All choleliths analyzed were pigment stones, two being primarily composed of cystine.

Health Assessment of Allen Cays Rock Iguana, Cyclura cychlura inornata

ABSTRACT The Allen Cays rock iguana, Cyclura cychlura inornata, though endangered, has stable and natural populations in the Allen Cays, in the Exuma Islands of the northern Bahamas. Thirty-seven animals (20 male and 17 female) were sampled during a long-term mark and recapture study in May 2004. Complete blood counts were performed on 18 animals and plasma biochemical analyses were performed on all 37 animals. Results of hematologic and plasma biochemical analyses for all animals showed that male Cyclura cychlura inornata had significantly lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase than female Cyclura cychlura inornata. Fecal parasite screens were completed on six animals and fecal cultures were performed on 17 animals. Oxyurid sp. were found in four of six fecal samples, and multiple bacteria, including Salmonella spp., were isolated from cloacal cultures.

LEPTOSPIROSIS IN WIED'S MARMOSETS (CALLITHRIX KUHLII)

Abstract Two adult Wieds marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) presented with jaundice, anemia, and weight loss. Death of one individual was attributed to renal tubular necrosis; liver and kidney were positive for Leptospira antigen by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The second animal was negative for antigen by IHC staining, but serologically positive for Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar ballum with an eightfold titer increase in paired samples, and was euthanized because of unresponsiveness to treatment. Environmental contamination by mice was suspected as the Leptospira source.

A Mycoplasma Species of Emydidae Turtles in the Northeastern USA

Abstract Mycoplasma infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality in captive and wild chelonians. As part of a health assessment of endangered bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) in the northeastern US, choanal and cloacal swabs from these and other sympatric species, including spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata), eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta), and common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) from 10 sampling sites in the states (US) of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, were tested by PCR for Mycoplasma. Of 108 turtles tested, 63 (58.3%) were PCR positive for Mycoplasma including 58 of 83 bog turtles (70%), three of three (100%) eastern box turtles, and two of 11 (18%) spotted turtles; all snapping turtles (n = 7) and wood turtles (n = 4) were negative. Sequence analysis of portions of the 16S–23S intergenic spacer region and the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed a single, unclassified species of Mycoplasma that has been previously reported in eastern box turtles, ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata), western pond turtles (Emys marmorata), and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). We document a high incidence of Mycoplasma, in the absence of clinical disease, in wild emydid turtles. These findings, along with wide distribution of the identified Mycoplasma sp. across a broad geographic region, suggest this bacterium is likely a commensal inhabitant of bog turtles, and possibly other species of emydid turtles, in the northeastern US.